Organized in 1880, the object of the Firemen's Association of the State of Pennsylvania shall be for the general improvement of the fire service throughout the state; to provide protection to disabled fire fighters and to those dependent upon them, through legislation enactment; to open upon the best manner and means for the fighting of fires and public fire safety education; to promote the organization of fire companies and fire departments in communities in need of such protection, and encourage a fraternal friendship among firefighters.